Katie Archibald Retires from Cycling
The End of an Era: Katie Archibald's Cycling Career
Katie Archibald, the Scottish track cyclist who won gold medals at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, has announced her retirement with immediate effect.
A Decorated Career
The decision means the 32-year-old, who also won multiple world, European and Commonwealth titles, will not compete in July's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Archibald said: 'The draw of the real world has been pulling me for a while, but I've been too scared to leave the world I know and love and, ultimately, to let go of something I'm good at.'
The Data Behind Her Success
- 51 medals won at world, European, Commonwealth, and Olympic levels
- 6 European titles
- 1 world title
- 1 Commonwealth Games bronze
A New Chapter: Nursing Career
She is now retraining to be a nurse. 'I've fallen completely in love with the whole thing,' Archibald said. 'When I let my friends and teammates know I was retiring from sport, they assumed it was because I wasn't coping doing both.'
The Impact on the Cycling World
Team GB's performance director, Stephen Park, described Archibald as 'relentless' and said that 'her performances on track and habits and characteristics, off the bike, set the tone for the rest of the team and elevate those around her.'
Looking to the Future
Archibald said she would 'keep learning, keep seeing the world, keep meeting incredible people,' but added: 'I don't know where I'll get these feelings again, though.' 'Riding the last lap of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games team pursuit final, I was so connected to the effort it was – just as in 2014 – like my mind left my body,' she said. 'I don't know if I'll be able to experience that feeling in the future.'